Coffee is a drink prepared from roasted coffee beans. Darkly colored, bitter, and slightly acidic, coffee has a stimulating effect on humans, primarily due to its caffeine content. It is the most popular hot drink in the world
Seeds of the Coffea plant's fruits are separated to produce unroasted green coffee beans. The beans are roasted and then ground into fine particles that are typically steeped in hot water before being filtered out, producing a cup of coffee. It is usually served hot, although chilled or iced coffee is common. Coffee can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways (e.g., espresso, French press, caffè latte, or already-brewed canned coffee). Sugar, sugar substitutes, milk, and cream are often used to mask the bitter taste or enhance the flavor.
So, I dont want to spend to much time on the five "W,s" here, pretty sure there is something in the archives to cover that. Today I want to look at varieties and incarnations, for example mocha, cafe leche or mac·chi·a·to, etc.
Lets start with the basics, brewing a perfect cup of coffee. We all have our preferences, as do I. I prefer the French Press Method, with extra fine dark roast coffee. I use Organic Ecuadorian coffee straight from the farmer. In lue of that I use the same grind and roast Italian coffee. How about yourself?
Place the pot on a dry, flat surface. Hold the handle firmly, then pull out the plunger
Add a heaping tablespoon (7-8 grams) of coffee to the pot per 200 ml (6.7 oz) of water
Pour hot water—not quite boiling—into the pot, and gently stir
Carefully reinsert the plunger into the pot, stopping just above the water and ground coffee (do not plunge yet), and let stand for 3-4 minutes
Press the plunger down slowly, exerting steady pressure
After each use, wash the pot with water and mild detergent, and dry thoroughly
So what about different styles and flavours, if you have been to Starbucks you know there are a multitudes. If you’ve always been too shy to ask your barista the difference between a flat white and a latte, then this article is for you.
Espresso
Also known as a short black, an espresso is a single shot of coffee. No extra hot water is added, resulting in an intense and flavoursome drink.
An espresso shot, which forms the basis of many of the other drinks to follow, is produced by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans.
Long Black
A long black is made by pouring a double-shot of espresso over hot water. Unlike an Americano which is made by adding hot water to the espresso shot, a long black retains the crema and is less voluminous, therefore more strongly flavoured.
Short Macchiato
A short macchiato is served in a small glass consisting of a single espresso shot then filled with creamy steamed milk and finished with a small layer of foam. You also can have a LONG with a double shot 60ml of espresso.
Cappuccino
Recognised by the froth on top, a cappuccino is one part espresso shot, one part textured milk and one part froth on top with a dusting of chocolate to finish.
At Merlo locations, a cappuccino in a 8oz cup contains one shot of espresso, in a 12oz cup 1.5 shots and in a 16oz cup two shots. This is the same for a latte, flat white and mocha.
Latte
A latte is a coffee espresso shot filled with steamed milk and with a layer of foamed milk.
Mocha
A latte with the added sweetness of chocolate. A mocha can be prepared by adding chocolate to the espresso shot before adding the textured milk, or adding the chocolate to the cold milk before frothing....and the list goes on with variations on the type of milk, beans used and flavourings added.
Although I am not one personally to take part,, there are many styles of after dinner drinks that involve both coffee and alcohol. Although admittedly I did create a pretty interesting recipe a number of years ago, I called it the Cuban Canadian. .Basically a Cappuccino wit rum and maple syrup.
For a full list of classic alcohol based coffee, check this out.
Cheers, and have a happy hump day!
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